Wellbeing

The below are some thoughts offered by Mrs Amanda Goddard, DSL: For many of us, summer is time to relax and enjoy the sunshine but if you need to boost your mental health during the school holidays here are some ideas.

• Get planning: If you are struggling to get motivated, planning your time can help. Give yourself something to do every morning and afternoon, and make sure you have a good mix. Schedule in some time for gaming, reading or watching TV and add in a couple of chores.

• Get outside: Try to get outside at least once every day.

• Don’t do away with routine: Long lie-ins are a must sometimes but if you are sleeping lots every day, it can have a negative impact on your mental health. It’s ok to relax your routine a little – we’re not suggesting 6am starts – but try to go to bed at a reasonable time and get up not much more than an hour later than you normally would. Have a shower and get dressed, even if you have got no plans. You’ll feel refreshed and more energised.

• Stay connected: If you can’t meet up with your friends over the summer, six weeks can feel like a lifetime. Having some company is important for everyone, so make an effort to catch up with family members and keep in touch with friends if possible.

• Practise self care: Self-care is all about being kind to yourself, listening to what your body and mind need and making time for the things that make you feel good. Check in with yourself each morning and evening to see how you’re feeling and if there’s anything you need. Sometimes a few minutes of mindfulness, a short walk or a nice relaxing bath can do wonders.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone and reach out for support if you need it, whether that means talking to a friend or family member or using one of the websites/ services listed below.

The Young Minds website is a useful resource for information about mental health that has helpful support for both young people and parents. The site offers helpful strategies for young people coping with a variety of difficulties and indicates ways in which parents can support their children/child.

Additionally, support can be found through the Anna Freud children and adolescents' website.

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/ https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/ https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/